Sneakers to splash, pick a workout

Rittman's SilverSneakers expands new program to the pools

By BOBBY WARRENStaff Writer Published: August 19, 2012 4:00 AM

RITTMAN -- The SilverSneakers program proved to be so popular at the Rittman Recreation Center it now offers a water-based exercise program from the same organization: SilverSplash.

Tom Leatherman, who is certified to lead both programs, said the goal of the SilverSplash program is to help senior citizens remain active with a workout designed to maintain or improve range of motion and work every muscle group.

The reviews thus far have been positive. The class, which is offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting at 9:30 a.m., continues to grow. There are nearly 30 people who participate on a regular basis.

Just like with the SilverSneakers program, the fees are covered by certain insurance companies. There is a simple sign-up process, and seniors just swipe a card each time they attend one of the classes, and the insurance company reimburses the rec center. There is a nominal fee for those who are not part of the SilverSneakers program.

Even though the exercises are done in the water, Leatherman said people do not need to know how to swim because the workout is in the shallow end of the pool. Many people in the class do not know how to swim, he said.

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People work out at a pace and intensity level that is right for them, Leatherman said.

Donna Smith said she has been participating in the water classes at the Rittman Recreation Center for a while, and the SilverSplash classes provide a better cardiovascular workout. Because it is more intense, "You don't have time to talk," she said.

The land-based strength condition class and the water class both contained a social aspect to it, however, the SilverSneakers and SilverSplash programs involve more rigorous workouts.

Bonnie Faber also liked the level of the cardiovascular workout with SilverSplash. "It's a better workout," she said. "There's a lot of balancing, and I feel we get more of a workout."

Even though it is at a higher level than the former class, Bill Farlow said he would like it to be even more intense. He started coming to the center because it offered the SilverSplash program.

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"It motivates you to become more active, which is good. I was not active before," Farlow said. "Initially, it makes you sore, but you get past that point after a couple of times."

For Joanne Forrer, she said the other class was great, but this one is better because it is more of a workout.

"I feel really good" after the SilverSplash classes, she said, adding she believes it helps her with her arthritis and keeps her moving.

"When I am away from it for a week, I can feel it," Faber said. "I start feeling aches and pains."

"It keeps my blood pressure down," Smith said.

The water workout is a low-impact one, Leatherman said, adding in water, people only weigh about 1/14th of their weight. This leads to a lot less stress on joints. Leatherman is also convinced the water has therapeutic effects.

"There's something about the water I enjoy," Leatherman said.

Garrick DiSalvo, director of the center, said the SilverSneakers and SilverSplash programs have been good additions. Both classes continue to grow.

Reporter Bobby Warren can be reached at 330-287-1639 or bwarren@the-daily-record.com. He is @BobbyWarrenTDR on Twitter.